Fabiola Yzeta-Vincent
Founder CEO
With over 2 decades of expertise managing meetings and events, Fabiola is a professional who has made her mark by designing and executing unique experiences. Her management knowledge, complemented by her attention to detail, artistic creativity and excellent customer service, are demonstrated through the various events and meetings she has completed throughout her career.
Fabiola has a long history of working in the government relations industry as a project coordinator and has participated in the realisation of several prestigious events, such as:
• Mexico’s National Day Celebration at the Ambassador’s Residence.
• Mexico’s Pavilion within Canada’s 150th Anniversary.
• 2016 Youth Summit with President Enrique Peña Nieto and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
• Hosting Mexico’s National soccer team within the Women’s FIFA World Cup 2015.
With extensive experience working with various Embassies in the National Capital Region and the City of Ottawa, Fabiola understands government protocols in and out and maintains a good working relationship with them.
Fabiola started her management career founding several non-profit organizations in Canada with a bachelor’s degree in Humanities in hand. To enhance her knowledge and skills, she obtained a certificate in meetings and events management from the Canadian Tourism College. She is also a proud member of prestigious associations like Meetings Professionals International (MPI) and Ottawa Festivals.
Between her many achievements she was recognized with the “Ohtli Award” in 2011 by the Mexican Secretariat of Foreign Affairs for her exceptional contributions to the Mexican community in Canada. In 2010, Fabiola was also honored to be a member of the Advisory Committee for the National University of Mexico in Canada (UNAM).
Mike Taylor
Art Director | Special Projects
Mike Taylor is a visual artist and photographer. He has extensive experience as an Arts Programmer with the City of Ottawa and the Shenkman Art Centre in Orléans. While with the City, Mike had the opportunity to coordinate hundreds of visual art exhibitions, displays and events by local, regional, and international artists and arts organizations, including Baz’Art, Shenkman Arts Centre’s annual winter arts market.
Mike also developed and coordinated the Centre’s Arts à la carte program, which brought local and regional elementary school students to the Centre for workshops with Gloucester Pottery School, Ottawa School of Art, Ottawa School of Theatre and Tara Luz Danse.
Mike is a great supporter of the arts community in Ottawa. He serves regularly on exhibition juries for visual arts organizations in Ottawa and provides guidance to emerging artists - most recently, through the Mentorship Program at Arts Network Ottawa.
Mike’s primary focus is on photography, but for several years painting was his main form of creative expression. Since retiring from the City in 2020, Mike is presently collaborating with other artists and organizations with artwork and event photography as well as video production and exhibition installation.
Yessica Lara Torres
Treasurer
Graduated in International Relations from Universidad Popular Autonomy de Puebla (UPAEP) and with studies in Dispute Prevention and Resolution at Université de Sherbrooke, Yessica has been working for over six years with multiple stakeholders.
After working for a few years as a Project Management Assistant and Research Analyst for non-profit associations and international non-governmental organizations such as CEEY and IBCR, she also worked at the Mexican Embassy in the Department of Political Affairs. During her career she has gained valuable experience understanding, working, and building lasting relationships with governmental actors across various departments (federal and provincial level), embassies, International Organizations, and NGOs.
During her career, she has developed an expertise in organizing, scheduling, budgeting, and logistical coordination of meetings including bilateral and trilateral meetings, both face-to-face and virtual. Yessica also has an in-depth knowledge of protocol when organizing a special event. She has developed strong skills in negotiation and problem solve effectively in high-stress situations.
Jasmine Vincent
Educational Programs Coordinator
With over 6 years of experience in education, Jasmine is an Ontario certified elementary school teacher. She is a University of Ottawa alumni who graduated Magna Cum Laude (with Great Honours) from the Bachelor’s degree in Education.
Her interest in education began at a young age. Jasmine dove into the field starting as a volunteer Spanish teacher for the Mexican community’s school in Ottawa. She also has a background in history. She graduated from the University of Ottawa with Honours obtaining her degree in Ancient History and World Religions. Jasmine has two published research papers with the Department of Classical Studies, the Student Association of Classical Studies and the University of Ottawa.
Jasmine’s love for history and education led her to work for the Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War museum as a tour guide and educational program animator while completing her studies. Her combined experience of history and education allow her to have an in depth understanding of the elements needed to create and execute cultural educational programs and experiences.
Philippe Vincent
Graphic Design Coordinator
Philippe Vincent is an Ottawa-born Mexican Canadian illustrator and visual artist specializing in oil, acrylic and digital paintings. He is a University of Ottawa alumni who graduated Cum Laude (with Honours) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts . At his young age, Philippe has had the opportunity to participate in various artistic projects such as:
- Special Scenography Project in collaboration with the Shenkman Arts Center and the National Center for the Arts in Ottawa in 2014
- “Jeunes et Talentueux” gala exhibition in Gatineau in 2016 and 2017
- “Winterlude” Snow Festival activities organized by the Shenkman Arts Centre in Ottawa in 2016
- “TRUE/FALSE - VRAIE/FAUX” exhibition at Gallery 115 of the University of Ottawa in 2019
Eann Hodges
Volunteer Coordinator
Eann Hodges graduated with Highest Honours from Carleton University in Linguistics and Russian Translation. She is Founder and CEO of Penguin Consulting Services which provides mentoring, event planning and translation services. Since 2013 she has also worked part-time at the Embassy of Chile. Until her retirement from government service in 2011, she was the chief protocol officer at the U.S. Embassy and organized many events, including the annual July 4th celebration.
Eann volunteer with the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) at TD Place and the Ottawa Branch of Cystic Fibrosis Canada. She is also involved with the “Xtra Mile Crew”, a dedicated team of volunteers who offer on-route encouragement and support to marathon runners in the Ottawa Race Weekend and accompany them if necessary to the finish line. Previously, she was a volunteer with the Centertown Community Health Center, involved with the Center’s recreational program during the summer months at Dundonald Park.
Eann has been involved with the international military community and has been a member of the International Military Attaché Support Association since 1998. She has served on the Association’s Executive Committee in various positions and has been responsible for organizing many of its events and activities. She also organized several events for the Foreign Service Military Attachés, including the annual International Cuisine Night which was host to over 400 guests.